Fashion Focus Chicago

September 29, 2008 10:39:02 AM PDT

CHICAGO --

World Fashion Chicago returns to Millennium Park on Thursday, October 2 for its third turn on the runway during Fashion Focus 2008.Building upon the tremendous success of the past two shows, Chicago Sister Cities International Program (CSCIP) will once again feature some of the hottest international fashions, showcasing high-end designers that represent each of Chicago's 27 sister cities. The show will be a testament to the burgeoning fashion industry, and will include premier showings of a select number of internationally-based designers looking to make their mark on the Chicago fashion scene. Linda Yu, ABC-7 News Anchor, will serve as the evenings Mistress of Ceremonies.

World Fashion Chicago is part of Fashion Focus, chicagofashionresource.com citywide celebration of fashion that features five runway shows, shopping events, and industry seminars from October 1 through October 8.

"Chicago Sister Cities International embraces our cultural diversity through its people-to-people initiatives," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "World Fashion Chicago not only showcases our 27 Sister Cities, but also the internationally-inspired fashion designers who live and work in our city."

Designs from Sister Cities such as fashion Meccas as Paris, Milan, and Prague will take the stage at the Chase North Promenade at Millennium Park. Free and open to the public, World Fashion Chicago will provide a unique and exciting convergence of fashions from around the world, featuring high-end apparel by designers who have roots in all 27 of Chicago's international sister cities.

This year's show will feature a mix of high-end designers, including local talent like Melissa Serpico, Yana German, John Shultz and Anna Fong. They will share the runway with world-renowned designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Jenny Packham and Akris. World Fashion will also feature six designers who are traveling to Chicago to be featured in the show including: Durban, South Africa; Paris, France; Mexico City, Mexico; Amman, Jordan; Casablanca, Morocco; and Shanghai, China.

The runway show will run from 7:30-9 p.m. To kick-off the event, a pre-show reception celebrating all 27 sister cities will take place on the Chase Promenade at Millennium Park from 6-7:30 p.m. This pre-show reception will bring together fashion industry professionals, as well as community and business leaders from across Chicago's widely diverse ethnic citizenship. Tickets to the pre-show reception are $100 and include food, drinks, VIP seating during the fashion show and entrance into the after party. An after-party will take place Trump International Hotel & Towers from 9 -- 11 p.m. ($25 donation at the door). General Seating and Standing Room only is full. Please visit worldfashionchicago.com to purchase VIP tickets. For more information, call 312.744-2520.

Fashion Focus Chicago, a weeklong celebration of Chicago's thriving fashion industry, returns for a fourth year in 2008. Running from Wednesday, October 1 through Wednesday, October 8, Fashion Focus Chicago showcases some of the city's top designers, and features five runway shows in Millennium Park, fashion installations, shopping events, student designer events, and industry seminars. For more information and to register for events, visit chicagofashionresource.com. Here is a schedule of events:

F=Free WC=Wheelchair Accessible

RUNWAY EVENTS

GEN ART'S FRESH FACES IN FASHION

PRESENTED BY BLACKBERRY & T-MOBILE FEATURING A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY CLANDESTINE

One night only! Get in on this oh-so-popular runway event with emerging Chicago-based designers. This year, Clandestine Industries-the lifestyle brand championed by hometown musician and Fall Out Boy lead man, Pete Wentz-is honored to partner with Gen Art Chicago as a special addition to the runway presentation. Wentz's commitment to Chicago talent matches Gen Art Chicago's dedication to promoting local artists. Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion is renowned for showcasing the brightest emerging stars in the fashion industry and launching the careers of many successful fashion labels. (WC)

WORLD FASHION CHICAGO PRESENTED BY CHICAGO SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL

Representing Chicago's 27 sister cities, high-end international designers based in Chicago and abroad rock the runway with their most-coveted fashions. A testament to the city's burgeoning fashion industry, this show debuts internationally based designers to the local fashion scene. This year in a fashion-forward, world-premiere collaboration between TOYOTA concept creators and Chicago-based fashion designers, you'll be the first in America to see the latest in personal mobility design (TOYOTA i-REAL) and fashion. Designers representing sister cities Warsaw, Poland; Milan, Italy; and Shanghai, China bring it all to life with i-REAL-inspired, concept fashions. There's a whole new creative buzz in Chicago. Plan on joining the fashionable crowd for the after-party.

(information) Catch the next rising stars' runway debut at this showing of top students from Chicago's fashion design schools: Columbia College Chicago; The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago; International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago; and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Creativity abounds in these award-winners' styles, representing their best work and original spin on fashion. Also, the five finalists of the Mario Make Me A Model search walk in the show, where the winner will be announced. (F) (WC)

Designer-artist Alice Berry explores the tension between personal artistic expression and the business of fashion. This special presentation features live models, projection, poetry and three of her collections: the Color Work; Green; and Fall 2008-9. (F) (WC)

High style dominates this runway event offering some of the best high-end, contemporary collections. Created by a selection of Chicago's elite fashion-forward designers, these looks are so new and different you will leave pondering what defines fashion. A pitch-perfect evening for the independently stylish and collectors of fashion and art! (F) (WC)

Stay ahead of the trend with this amazing preview of Spring 2009 collections. Macy's has covered the city in search of the next great American designer, presenting the best at this runway exclusive. Meet some of the names-you-need-to-know. Macy's will also carry some of their lines at its State Street store. (F) (WC)

An incredible opportunity for fashion designers and students! Learn the innovative "Subtraction Cutting" technique from UK designer Julian Roberts. Currently the creative director of Julian and a visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art in London and a fashion consultant to the BBC, Roberts has shown collections at London and Paris fashion weeks, and taught design and creative pattern cutting throughout Europe and Asia. (F)(WC)

Threadless.com's management team reveals how the company grew its business to include a community of more than 700,000 members (the force behind idea generation, marketing and sales forecasting) and more than $30 million in T-shirt sales. This consumer-driven, Internet-based, T-shirt design company was founded in Chicago by Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago students. Also, hear important first announcements related to CFF's second annual scholarship competition. (F) (WC)

Receive answers to some of the most challenging questions facing Chicago-based designers. Who should produce my line? What exactly will they produce for me? Where do I find them? When can they finish my pieces? How do I start my relationship with them? Designers and contractors will provide valuable insights. Presented by the Mayor's Fashion Council Chicago. (F) (WC)

Learn how to use images to sell your line. From choosing the right photographer to deciding on the style of the shoot, quality images are essential to your business. Presented by the Mayor's Fashion Council Chicago. (F) (WC)

If you're a designer hopeful, present your sketches and samples at this eighth annual competition. Receive feedback and direction from Macy's buyers and trend managers. The Best of Show-winning designer receives a cash prize. No reservations required. Anticipate a wait. (F) (WC)

Develop an appreciation for that hat you throw on when you're leaving the house. Find out what it takes to craft and design such a fashionable and functional accessory. The faculty from Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago will demonstrate. (F)

T-SHIRT FRENZY

Saturday, October 4, 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Blick Art Materials

42 S. State Street

312.980.9298

Screen-print a T-shirt using stencils of your choice with guidance from International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago students. (F) (WC)

STRIKE A POSE

Saturday, October 4, 3-5 pm

Blick Art Materials

42 S. State Street

312.980.9298

Take home a skillful sketch, starring you, by instructors and students from the International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago's Fashion Design Department. (F) (WC)

One-of-kind pieces that you can own! Stop by this fabulous showcase of work by students from Columbia College Chicago, International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

They'll be on hand to discuss their work during Saturday's Gallery Talk. Purchase pieces on-site Saturday, or by contacting the student designers directly throughout the week. (F)(WC)

Tour one of the city's hippest neighborhoods (Bucktown, Lincoln Park or Southport) with a personal shopping stylist. Visit unique boutiques underscoring designers on the rise and the latest trends. Also included, Chicago designer updates and perks and pampering such as complimentary coffee drinks, champagne toasts and discounts at the hottest boutiques. (WC)

Snag the best accessories and clothing offered by talented designers and boutiques from across the country. Spa treatments and a fabulous gift bag create a truly luxurious shopping experience. Presented by Gen Art in its continuing mission to support and showcase emerging talent. (WC)

Drop by Bourdage Pearls and see why the world's most influential, powerful women adorn themselves with pearls. Exercise your ultimate purchasing power. Sign an environmental or clean water (vital to pearl survival) petition, and receive a 10% discount for each petition you sign. (F)

Unique and groundbreaking garments, by fashion students from The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, illustrate for visitors and locals how Chicago is making its mark on the fashion world. Enjoy! (F) (WC)

Admire a variety of contemporary designs by International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago students. Ghanaian textiles and their Special Topics course in Ethnic Fashions provided the inspiration. (F) (WC)

Check out the new and unexpected in this exhibit highlighting Columbia College Chicago students' coursework in Fashion Design: Concepts. A man's suit and shirt were deconstructed then recycled into an original garment concept. (F) (WC)

SHAPING INTIMATE SPACE

Wednesday, October 1-Friday, October 31; Anytime Sears Tower

233 S. Wacker Drive

312.629.6710

See surprising forms, created by hand-manipulation and hand-dyeing techniques on cotton fabric. Students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago used the volume, shape, repetition and layering of modern architecture and design in shaping these new forms for the human body. (F) (WC)

This exhibit demonstrates how to support the sustainable lifestyle and "green" your wardrobe without sacrificing style, personality or comfort. Local designers' fashions made of organic or sustainable fabrics and processes, and experimental sustainable materials are showcased. Come for the panel discussion on Sustainable Style, Saturday, October 4. Curated by Pivot. (F) (WC)